Effect of a Lignan-Enriched Fructus Schisandrae Extract on Hepatic Glutathione Status in Rats: Protection against Carbon Tetrachloride Toxicity

Abstract

The effect of a lignan-enriched extract of the fruits of Schisandra chinensis (FS) on hepatic glutathione (GSH) status was examined in both control and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats. FS treatment caused a dose-dependent enhancement in hepatic GSH status, as evidenced by significant increases in hepatic GSH level and activities of hepatic glucose-6-phosphate and glutathione reductase (GRD), as well as a decreased susceptibility of hepatic tissue homogenates to in vitro peroxide-induced GSH depletion. The beneficial effect of FS treatment on hepatic GSH status became more evident after CCl4 challenge. Pretreating rats with FS extract at increasing daily doses ranged from 0.2 to 3.2 g/kg for 3 days caused a dose-dependent protection against the CCl4-induced impairment in hepatic GSH status. The enhancement in hepatic GSH status was associated with corresponding decreases in tissue malondialdehyde levels and plasma alanine aminotransferases activities, indicating a significant reduction in the extent of oxidative hepatocellular damage. Our results indicate that the molecular mechanism of hepatoprotection afforded by FS pretreatment may involve the facilitation of GSH regeneration via the GRD-catalyzed and NADPH-mediated reaction.

The α-iso-cubebenol compound isolated from Schisandra chinensis induces p53-independent pathway-mediated apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

“…With regard to hepatic protection, the lignans are correlated tightly with the increase in the hepatic levels of ascorbic acid, as well as the inhibition of NADPH oxidization and lipid peroxidation, which occur as the consequence of the induction effect of the hepatic cytochrome P-450 enzymatic system of the microsome. These lignans also protect against the cholestasis induced by toxic substances (27)(28)(29)(30). The aforementioned ligands contribute to the hepatic regeneration process via the induction of mRNA transcription for hepatocyte growth factor, as well as the stimulation of hepatocyte proliferation and increased blood flow to the liver.…”

Hepatoprotective Activity of Ixora Coccinea L. In Animal Model

“…Increase in hepatic GSH level in Ixora treated rat could either be due to an effect on the de novo synthesis of GSH, its regeneration or both. As a consequence, hepatic GSH level could be sufficiently maintained to counteract the increased formation of free radicals as in the case of carbon tetrachloride toxicity 14 . The observed protective effect of the plant extract against carbon tetrachloride may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, tannin and lignins among the plant constituents 16 .…”

Ameliorative effect of Ficus dalhousiae Miq. (Moraceae) methanolic leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic and renal toxicity

“…This may result in significant damage to cell structures. Cumulatively, this is known as oxidative Studies also revealed that there are various herbal extracts induced oxidative stress by enhancing the decreased level of catalase (CAT), superoxidase dismutase (SOD), reduce glutathione (GSH) [10,11] and also Natural plant products have been widely used for medical purpose and according to Ayurveda, these medicine have less side effect when compared with allopathy medicine.In Ayurveda, plants are pose. Compare with allopathy medicine it have less side effects or no side effects.…”